Thomas Aquinas Commentary Lamentations 3:55-57

"I called upon thy name, O Jehovah, out of the lowest dungeon. Thou heardest my voice; hide not thine ear at my breathing, at my cry. Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon thee; thou saidst, Fear not." — Lamentations 3:55-57 (ASV)

Here he appeals to the goodwill of the judge.

First, he shows the judge's mercy toward the unfortunate. Second, he shows his justice, as seen in the verse: You have judged, O Lord, the cause of my soul (Lamentations 3:58).

Regarding the first point, he sets forth three things:

1. First, the prayer of the unfortunate: I have called upon your name… from the lowest pit. This means calling from the greatest tribulations, as others in distress have done, for example, in Egypt and often in the book of Judges. I called upon the Lord, the father of my Lord, that he would not leave me .
2. Second, he presents the merciful hearing of the prayer: you have heard my voice, and so he now prays, turn not away. The Lord has heard my supplication: he has received my prayer (Psalms 6:10).
3. Third, he recalls the comfort given after the prayer was heard: you drew near in the day, strengthening me with your help; and he prays for this again now. Set me beside you (Job 17:3). Fear not, my servant, for I am with you: turn not aside (Isaiah 41:10).